What Is MIG Welding?
Just to clear up the confusion, MIG welding (Metal Inert Gas) and GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) is one and the same. MIG refers to the welding process developed in the first half of the 20th century and is presently one of the most utilized and favoured welding processes. They produce clean and quality welds, which is why they are commonly used by car manufacturers and the likes.
The MIG equipment is composed of a welding gun, a wire electrode and a shielded gas supply, with the equipment being connected to a power supply, usually a direct current reverse polarity type since they have stable arcs that result in low spatter and great weld bead - these are the result of the inert gas (in most cases argon) which acts as a shield to protect the materials from being contaminated.
Aside from this, there are other great benefits of using MIGs. For starters, MIG welders produce welds faster and better than a stick welder. With an MIG welder, you can produce continuous welds without having to worry about the electrodes running out allowing for maximum efficiency and more productivity - both of which are essential for any industry big or small alike. This is especially true in cases where the metal to be welded is of soft material like aluminum (MIG welders came about as a solution for the need of a welding process to weld soft metals like aluminum and other non-ferrous materials).
Secondly, since these welders do not require the use of any flux whatsoever, the chance for slag to get trapped in the metal being welded is zero. This results in strong and sturdy welds.
Of course, where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages.
MIG welders are a bit complex material and not everyone has the expertise to dabble with it. Before acquiring and using such equipment, it is best to educate yourself with the different items it is used with as well as the necessary skills to manipulate it properly. For example, the electrodes used in this particular welding process come in different sizes, all of which are created from varying metal types. You should be aware of these since there is no one size fits all type. Certain types work best for one application and not for the other. Also, welding techniques should be learned and mastered, since most general and common techniques do not apply with the use of this welder. MIG welders cannot be used in a vertical welding position, nor can it be used to weld overhead materials. Lastly, since MIG welders make us of inert or semi-inert gas, they cannot be used to work on outdoor projects (especially in windy locations and times) since the air can literally blow away the shielding gas, rendering it useless.
These type of welders are some of the best developments of the 20th century, revolutionizing the way the people work with metals - specifically soft and non-ferrous metals. Thanks to this equipment, we are able to enjoy many things crafted out of metal - all of which would not be possible or existent if not for these welders.
The MIG equipment is composed of a welding gun, a wire electrode and a shielded gas supply, with the equipment being connected to a power supply, usually a direct current reverse polarity type since they have stable arcs that result in low spatter and great weld bead - these are the result of the inert gas (in most cases argon) which acts as a shield to protect the materials from being contaminated.
Aside from this, there are other great benefits of using MIGs. For starters, MIG welders produce welds faster and better than a stick welder. With an MIG welder, you can produce continuous welds without having to worry about the electrodes running out allowing for maximum efficiency and more productivity - both of which are essential for any industry big or small alike. This is especially true in cases where the metal to be welded is of soft material like aluminum (MIG welders came about as a solution for the need of a welding process to weld soft metals like aluminum and other non-ferrous materials).
Secondly, since these welders do not require the use of any flux whatsoever, the chance for slag to get trapped in the metal being welded is zero. This results in strong and sturdy welds.
Of course, where there are advantages, there are also disadvantages.
MIG welders are a bit complex material and not everyone has the expertise to dabble with it. Before acquiring and using such equipment, it is best to educate yourself with the different items it is used with as well as the necessary skills to manipulate it properly. For example, the electrodes used in this particular welding process come in different sizes, all of which are created from varying metal types. You should be aware of these since there is no one size fits all type. Certain types work best for one application and not for the other. Also, welding techniques should be learned and mastered, since most general and common techniques do not apply with the use of this welder. MIG welders cannot be used in a vertical welding position, nor can it be used to weld overhead materials. Lastly, since MIG welders make us of inert or semi-inert gas, they cannot be used to work on outdoor projects (especially in windy locations and times) since the air can literally blow away the shielding gas, rendering it useless.
These type of welders are some of the best developments of the 20th century, revolutionizing the way the people work with metals - specifically soft and non-ferrous metals. Thanks to this equipment, we are able to enjoy many things crafted out of metal - all of which would not be possible or existent if not for these welders.
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